JASON BATEMAN - BATEMAN DEFENDS JUNO AGAINST TEEN PREGNANCY CLAIMS

BATEMAN DEFENDS JUNO AGAINST TEEN PREGNANCY CLAIMS

JUNO star JASON BATEMAN has defended the Oscar-winning movie against claims it has encouraged teenage girls to get pregnant.
The film, which stars Canadian actress Ellen Page, focuses on the story of a 16-year-old girl who, after discovering she is pregnant, decides to give the child up for adoption.
But the movie, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, has come under fire from officials in Massachusetts - with schools blaming the picture for the recent rise in teen pregnancies, labelling the trend "The Juno Effect".
Bateman has now hit back at the criticism, insisting Hollywood should not be blamed for social problems in America.
He tells Access Hollywood, "I don't know the specifics, but I can speak about what sort of responsibility entertainment should hold for social behaviour.
"Unfortunately, we've had these instances where guys kill people because of what they hear in rock 'n roll lyrics or some garbage like that. Look, if you're going to blame a movie or song for your actions, whether they be good or bad, I think you're looking at the wrong things to influence your life.
"What we're doing is providing entertainment in different flavours for your consumption. I think people should look to other areas of their life for lessons and guidance, mainly parents, or teachers, or friends, or whomever. That should probably be where you should point your eyes and ears."